"
"How a lawsuit?"
"I cannot explain it all, but I am very unhappy about it. They want me to
give them up; but my husband gave them to me, and for his sake I will not
do so. When he threw them around my neck he told me that they were my own
--so he did. How can a woman give up such a present--from a husband--who
is dead? As to the value, I care nothing. But I won't do it." By this time
Lady Eustace was in tears, and had so far succeeded as to have produced
some amount of belief in Miss Macnulty's mind.
"If they are your own, they can't take them from you," said Miss Macnulty.
"They shan't. They shall find that I've got some spirit left." Then she
reflected that a real Corsair lover would protect her jewels for her--
would guard them against a score of Camperdowns. But she doubted whether
Lord Fawn would do much in that way. Then the door was opened, and Lord
Fawn was announced. It was not at all unusual with Lord Fawn to call on
the widow at this hour. Mount Street is not exactly in the way from the
India Office to the House of Lords; but a hansom cab can make it almost in
the way. Of neglect of official duty Lord Fawn was never guilty; but a
half hour for private business or for relaxation between one stage of duty
and another--can any Minister grudge so much to an indefatigable follower?
Lady Eustace had been in tears as he was announced, but the light of the
room was so low that the traces of them could hardly be seen.
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